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Bio
Charles Pugh serves as the President of the Detroit City Council - the legislative branch
of city government. This honorable body is responsible for, not only, approving the city’s
budget and contracts, but also, passing ordinances and resolutions. With his historic
election, Pugh is charged with helping to revive the City of Detroit.
Born and raised on the city's west side, Pugh faced tragedy at an early age. At the age
of three, Pugh lost his mother in a homicide and, just four years later, his father, who
had recently gotten re-married, committed suicide. Nevertheless, Pugh, raised by his
grandmother, was able to overcome these sad and unfortunate events to achieve great
success throughout his life.
After graduating from Murray Wright High School, Pugh went on to earn his degree in
journalism from the prestigious University of Missouri. As a teenager, Pugh had a dream
of returning to Detroit as an anchor-reporter. He accomplished this goal in 1999 – just ten
years after high school graduation.
After serving as a respected journalist in Columbia, Missouri; Topeka, Kansas; Fort
Wayne, Indiana; and Norfolk, Virginia, Pugh became a highly celebrated reporter at Fox
2 Detroit. In his self-proclaimed “dream job,” Pugh was able to convey his unwavering
love for this city, becoming an “adopted” family member to many Detroiters. Pugh
was able to translate this overwhelming affection into another impressive opportunity,
when he became the commentator and news director of WJLB FM 98. In these roles,
Pugh made it a point to encourage and empower Detroiters to work towards a future they
desired and deserved.
Although Pugh diligently served his community as an advocate, mentor and journalist,
he decided to add another title to his extensive resume'. Pugh, compelled by an urge to
better serve the city he loves so much, submitted his name as a candidate for Detroit
City Council in 2009. His message of providing citizens with competent, ethical and
transparent leadership, resonated with Detroiters, as their votes placed him #1 in the
primary and general elections.
As Council President, Pugh is committed to engaging, informing and empowering
citizens to reclaim their communities and improve their neighborhoods. A strong
proponent of education, Pugh engages the city’s youth as a teacher and mentor. President
Pugh is a member of the Detroit Public Schools Reading Corps where he dedicates time
each week to increase the reading performance of 2nd and 3rd grade students. He has
adopted the Fredrick Douglas Academy where he implemented the Male Leadership
Academy – a weekly forum that increases students’ exposure to strong male leadership.
Pugh is a faithful member of Hartford Memorial Baptist Church and serves with Hartford
Men United where he mentors at the Wayne County Juvenile Detention Center.
Pugh has been accepted into the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School where he will
become a 2011 fellow in the Senior Executives in State and Local Government program.
In addition, he is the recipient of many honors, awards, and citations including Michigan
Chronicle’s Men of Excellence award. Most recently, he was honored with placement on
Crain’s Detroit Business’ 40 under 40. In addition, Pugh has been recognized by the Wall
Street Journal, New York Times, and Instinct Magazine.
President Pugh’s board responsibilities include the Michigan Municipal League; the
Detroit Economic Growth Corporation; the Detroit Transportation Corporation: the
Detroit Election Commission; the Detroit Employee Benefits Plan; the Democratic
Municipal Officials, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy; the Southeast Michigan Council
of Governments; and TechTown.
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